Sapphire Cay Master Plan

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Sapphire Cay Master Plan SSaapppphhiirree CCaayy,, BBaahhaammaass EExxcceepptttiiioonnaalll IIssslllaanndd LLiiivviiinngg SSaapppphhiiirree CCaayy DDeevveelllooppmmeennttt LLiiimmiiittteedd CCoonnfffiiiddeenntttiiiaalll BBuusssiiinneessssss PPlllaann TABLE OF CONTENTS Sapphire Cay Resort, Bahamas Page 1. Introduction, Assignment and Methodology ......................................................... 3 2. Approach to the Study ....................................................................................................... 4-5 3. Assumptions ....................................................................................................................... 6 4. Executive Summary ................................................................................................... 7-13 5. Economic Characteristics of Bahamas Market .......................................................... 14-15 6. Basic information about The Bahamas .................................................................... 16 7. Geography in The Bahamas .................................................................................... 17 8. Tourism Info ...................................................................................................... 18-28 9. Site Analysis ........................................................................................................... 29 10. Target Markets ...................................................................................................... 30 11. Project Description .................................................................................................... 31-34 12. Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 35 13. Estimated Sales Pace and Rate Structure ................................................................ 35 Appendices Appendix A – Construction Costs Phase I Appendix B – Construction Costs Phase II Appendix C – Sales Revenues Phase I Appendix D – Sales Revenues Phase II Appendix E – Sales Performa Phase I Appendix F – Sales Performa Phase II Appendix G – Return on Investment Phase I Appendix H – Return on Investment Phase II Appendix I – Resumes Appendix J – Survey Appendix K – Presentation Appendix L – Travel Information from Tourist Board 2 Sapphire Cay Resort, Bahamas 1. INTRODUCTION, ASSIGNMENT AND METHODOLOGY This introductory section provides the background for and the nature of the assignment that is the basis of this market study report. Included are a general description of the methodology undertaken to prepare the market analysis and a listing of the basic assumptions that were included as part of the analysis. BACKGROUND Sapphire Cay is a 120 acre Island which is currently named Egg Island and is located in the Northeast Bahamas, four islands West of North Eleuthera and directly West of Royal Island. It is further positioned immediately East and South of the two most traveled cruising lanes to The Bahamas, its capital, Nassau and further the Southern Caribbean. Nassau and Paradise Island a mere 60-90 minutes away offer casinos, nightlife, culinary delights and shopping at any level. With natural attributes comprising of three pristine beaches, two interior lagoons, forty five foot elevations and deep water proximity for yacht access and sport fishing, Sapphire Cay is the perfect Island for a yachting and residential enclave. Never having been impacted by development of any level this Island is a blank canvas for a sensitive, private, luxury destination. Now, as the economy in the United States is beginning to show signs of recovery and as tourism in general has begun to show signs of growth, the Owners have completed the planning of the Resort, focused on the development of the resort project, with substantial landscaping, amenities, a major improvement of the island and inclusion of a marina and for the construction of a portion of the resort and marina villas and residential villas. The intention of the plan is a phased development, with initial construction of the first villas, marina, docks and infrastructure and the primary amenities including new pools, a new marina building, a tennis court and a secure gated infrastructure. ASSIGNMENT The purpose of the market study was to develop an analysis of the market conditions and the market feasibility of Sapphire Cay Marina & Resort. Tweraser Financial Group Inc. was asked, as experienced consultants in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry, to estimate the potential market support for the development under an assumed set of development conditions and plans that were strategically modified and upgraded during the course of the analysis. 2. APPROACH TO THE STUDY 3 Sapphire Cay Resort, Bahamas Our approach to the market study was organized in sequential phases as follows: Study Phases Phase I Site Analysis and Market Research Phase II Market Analysis, Facilities Recommendations Phase III Financial Feasibility Analysis Report Preparation The scope of the work, as described in the body of this report, included discussions with hotel management companies, travel professionals, local government authorities and other institutions relevant to the project. We have reviewed available demographic data and economic, tourism and other industry statistics for the Caribbean Region, and the Bahamas in particular. We conducted an extensive review of the proposed site and surrounding area and other rumored or announced site developments on Bahamas. The various sections of the report describe these phases in greater detail. The fieldwork process included interviews with the Bahama Authority including the Port Authority Technical Department and the Port Authority Director, The Bahamas Tourism Department, the Director of Financial Services of the Prime Minister's Office for Bahamas, multiple real estate agency representatives, and management representatives for many of the Island's major resort and resort developments. To accomplish the objectives of this engagement, the scope of the study included, but was not limited to the following tasks: 4 Sapphire Cay Resort, Bahamas • Meetings and discussions with the owner of Sapphire Cay Marina & Resort who is the developer of the Sapphire Cay Project, to define the scope of the study and to determine the objectives and requirements to carry out the work. • A review of economic, geographic and demographic factors of the area in general to determine the economic environment within which the proposed project would operate and likely market sources and demand generators. Particular attention was given to those economic indicators that are most relevant to the success of the proposed project. • Interviews with local government officials and members of the private sector such as the regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as representatives of the Bahamas Office of Tourism. These interviews helped to provide a framework picture of the supplied infrastructure on Bahamas, as well as the potential market demand for the proposed Project. • The primary on-site fieldwork was conducted from November 18 through December 12, 2009, during which Tweraser Financial Group Inc. compiled a majority of the primary market information on the site and available economic and tourism data. Additional research was subsequently conducted in January 2010 to supplement the initial information and strengthen the Tweraser Financial Group’s conclusions. • An examination of the site and surrounding area in local Bahama to determine its suitability of the Resort on the basis of accessibility and location, which included an evaluation of the site's layout and character/characteristics in relation to the planned facilities. • Analyses of the future supply and demand characteristics in order to identify estimated needs and to establish the economic foundation of the expansion project. We analyzed the development in the Bahama resort/residential market within the last five years. Important sources were the Tweraser Financial Group International database as well as publications from institutions such as the Bahama Port Authority, the Bahama Tourist Board and the Financial Services office of the Prime Minister's Office on Bahamas. We also obtained information from the Caribbean Tourism Organization, other data available from the World Tourism Organization and other sources. • We conducted in-depth interviews with managers of existing resorts and developments on Bahamas, as well as prominent real estate agencies in the Bahamas to obtain details on rate structures, sales pace performance, tourism and other relevant information. • We estimated the market segmentation, overall sales pace and pricing structures for the various elements of the planned Sapphire Cay Project that the proposed expansion project will likely achieve during its phased development plan, anticipated to extend from the period beginning in late 2010 through approximately 2012. 3. ASSUMPTIONS The conclusions of this report are based on an extensive number of sources, including the Owners, representatives of existing competitive properties, representatives of the Bahama Port Authority (the local 5 Sapphire Cay Resort, Bahamas government organization), the Bahama Tourist Board and the Caribbean Tourism Organization, among others. The following are basic assumptions that are included within our conclusions and recommendations: • The expansion of the competitive supply will be as predicted based on information provided by competitive resort developers and the Owners of the Sapphire
Recommended publications
  • PLP Wins Landslide Victory 29 Seats Give Powerful Mandate from the People the Progressive Liberal Party Under the Leadership of Mr
    May 15th, 2002 The Abaconian Page 1 VOLUME 10, NUMBER 10, MAY 15th, 2002 PLP Wins Landslide Victory 29 Seats Give Powerful Mandate from the People The Progressive Liberal Party under the leadership of Mr. Perry Gladstone Christie won the May 2 election in a landslide, win- ning 29 seats of the 40 seat House of Assem- bly. The Free National Movement won seven seats and independents won four seats. The PLP had been out of power since 1992 when the FNM defeated them for the first time since the independence of The Bahamas. They had been in power for 25 years under the leadership of Sir Lynden O. Pindling. They now have won 21 of the 24 Nassau seats, three of the six Grand Bahama seats and five of the seats in the other Family Islands. Two candidates who had previously been cabinet ministers in the FNM government ran independently and won. They were Mr. Pierre Dupuch, former Minister of Agricul- ture and Fisheries, and Mr. Tennyson Well, former Attorney General. Mr. Christie was sworn in on May 3 in a ceremony of pomp and pageantry at Govern- ment House. He pledged to “build a peace- ful, prosperous and just society for all our people.” He is the third prime minister since The Bahamas became an independent coun- try in 1973. He has already named his cabinet mem- Winner of the general election held on May 2, Mr. Perry Christie of the Progressive Liberal Party quickly organized his new bers and created two new ministries. Still to government and began his task of governing.
    [Show full text]
  • Marina Status: Open with Exceptions
    LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION BRILAND CLUB MARINA HARBOUR ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS UPDATED AUGUST 6, 2021 MARINA STATUS: OPEN WITH EXCEPTIONS Effective Friday, August 6, 2021, those persons applying for a travel health visa to enter The Bahamas or travel within The Bahamas will be subjected to the following new testing requirements: Entering The Bahamas Vaccinated Travelers All fully vaccinated travelers wishing to enter The Bahamas will now be required to obtain a COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), with a negative result, within five days of arrival in The Bahamas. Unvaccinated Travelers There are no changes to the testing requirements for unvaccinated persons wishing to enter The Bahamas. All persons, who are 12 years and older and who are unvaccinated, will still be required to obtain a PCR test taken within five days of arrival in The Bahamas. Children and Infants All children, between the ages of 2 and 11, wishing to enter The Bahamas will now be required to obtain a COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), with a negative result, within five days of arrival in The Bahamas. All children, under the age of 2, are exempt from any testing requirements. Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test and proof of full vaccination, all travelers will then be required to apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at travel.gov.bs (click on the International Tab) where the required test must be uploaded. LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION BRILAND CLUB MARINA HARBOUR ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS UPDATED AUGUST 6, 2021 Traveling within The Bahamas Vaccinated Travelers All fully vaccinated travelers wishing to travel within The Bahamas, will now be required to obtain a COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), with a negative result, within five days of the travel date from the following islands: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island.
    [Show full text]
  • Roberts: Idbfinanced Survey Good News for Christie Today's Fr
    4/29/2015 The Nassau Guardian Date: Sign Up Subscribe Advertise About Us Contact Archives search... Search News Business National Review Opinion Sports Op­Ed Editorial Letters Lifestyles Religion Obituaries Health & Wellness Education Pulse Arts & Culture Spice 2014 Hurricane Supplement Home & Fashion Today's News WEATHER The Abacos Light Rain Max: 91°F | Min: 78°F Roberts: IDB­financed survey good news for Christie CANDIA DAMES Print Managing Editor [email protected] Outlook Published: Apr 14, 2015 Gmail PrintFriendly In light of the customary “mid­term blues” among voters, the results of an Inter­American Development Share This: Twitter Bank (IDB)­financed survey reported on in National Facebook Review yesterday are “very good news” for Prime Minister Perry Christie and “very bad news” for Rate this article: Tumblr Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis, according to More... (293) Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Add To Favourite Roberts. Settings... The results showed that 9.5 percent of those surveyed viewed Christie’s job performance as “very good” AddThis Privacy and 37.4 percent as “good”. The results show that 9.6 percent viewed Christie’s job performance as “very bad”. Today's Front Page Another 11.3 percent viewed it as “bad”. 32.2 percent said Christie’s job performance was neither good nor bad, but “fair”. National Review also revealed that more than 45 percent of the Bahamians surveyed said they would vote for a candidate or party different from the current administration if an election were held this week. Another 24.5 percent said they would not vote at all.
    [Show full text]
  • WED LIKE a CELEBRITY on a DREAM LOCALE in the BAHAMAS Bahamas Contest Provides Chance for Couples to Say “I Do’S” Celebrity Style
    WED LIKE A CELEBRITY ON A DREAM LOCALE IN THE BAHAMAS Bahamas contest provides chance for couples to say “I Do’s” celebrity style FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (May 19, 2014) - Sixteen engaged couples are being offered the chance of a lifetime to exchange wedding vows celebrity style in The Islands Of The Bahamas. Through The Bahamas' 16 Islands 16 Weddings competition, 16 lucky couples can win the opportunity to join celebrities - such as former Masters champion Adam Scott - who over the years have made The Bahamas their dream locale for tying the knot. Scott created a buzz over the weekend when it was revealed that he was the latest celebrity to wed in The Bahamas, exchanging “I do’s” with longtime girlfriend, Marie Kojzar. The list of recent Bahamas wedding celebrities include Mariah Carey and Nick Canon, who were married on Eleuthera in 2008 and Penelope Cruz and Javier Barden in 2010. Also, reportedly, Johnny Depp is planning upcoming nuptials at his private retreat in Exuma, Bahamas. Freda Malcolm, ‘Director of Romance’ for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, said, “people of all walks of life, including celebrated personalities are drawn to The Islands Of The Bahamas for picture-perfect weddings. The setting really does it,” she said. “You place two people who are in love into an idyllic environment with blue sky, blue seas and a sandy beach, and good things happen. With the right planning, it’s very hard to beat a Bahamas destination wedding." To date over two thousand couples have signed up for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism's major destination wedding contest, now in its last few weeks.
    [Show full text]
  • April 2007 April 2007 Vol
    April 2007 April 2007 Vol. 34, No. 2 Board of Editors Josef Moser, President, Rechnungshof, Austria ©007 International Journal of Government Auditing, Inc. Sheila Fraser, Auditor General, Canada Faiza Kefi, First President, Cour des Comptes, Tunisia David M. Walker, Comptroller General, United States of America Clodosbaldo Russián Uzcátegui, Comptroller General, Venezuela The International Journal of Government President Auditing is published quarterly (January, April, Helen H. Hsing (U.S.A.) contents July, October) in Arabic, English, French, Editor German, and Spanish on behalf of INTOSAI New Journal Web Site. 1 Donald R. Drach (U.S.A.) (International Organization of Supreme Editorial . 2 Assistant Editors Audit Institutions). The Journal, which is the Linda J. Sellevaag (U.S.A.) official organ of INTOSAI, is dedicated to News in Brief. 5 Elizabeth Singer (U.S.A.) the advancement of government auditing SAIs and Civil Society. 15 Associate Editors procedures and techniques. Opinions and Office of the Auditor General (Canada) CAROSAI Congress . 20 Khalid Bin Jamal (ASOSAI-India) beliefs expressed are those of editors or Luseane Sikalu (SPASAI-Tonga) individual contributors and do not necessarily Audit Profile: Ghana . 25 Michael C.G. Paynter (CAROSAI-Trinidad reflect the views or policies of the organization. and Tobago) Reports in Print. 28 EUROSAI General Secretariat (Spain) The editors invite submissions of articles, Khemais Hosni (Tunisia) Inside INTOSAI. 29 Yadira Espinoza Moreno (Venezuela) special reports, and news items, which should INTOSAI General Secretariat (Austria) be sent to the editorial offices at: IDI Update. 35 U.S. Government Accountability Office (U.S.A.) U.S. Government Accountability Office Calendar. 37 Administration Room 78, G Street, NW Sebrina Chase (U.S.A.) Washington, D.C.
    [Show full text]
  • View Profile
    The Bahamas Vegetation: The soil is thin, and generally infertile, but cultivation has produced exotic flowers (as well as subtropical fruit and vegetables) on the more developed islands. Some islands have large areas of pine forests. Forest covers 51 per cent of the land area and there was no significant loss of forest cover during 1990–2011. Wildlife: Animal life is restricted to small species, such as agouti, frogs, iguanas and bats. The Inagua National Park on Great Inagua Island is the home of more than 50,000 flamingos, the largest flock in the world and The Bahamas’ national bird. Main towns: Nassau (capital, pop. 241,200 in 2010) on New Providence; Freeport (44,300), West End (13,100) and High Rock (3,900) on Grand Bahama; Cooper’s Town (9,300) and Marsh Harbour (5,800) on Abaco; Freetown (4,300) and Spanish Wells (1,800) on Eleuthera; Andros Town (2,300) on Andros; and Clarence Town (1,700) on Long Island. Transport: The total road system extends to some 2,700 km, about 60 per cent of it paved. There are almost 1,000 km of roads on New Providence (some of which are privately owned), 209 km of roads on KEY FACTS city of Freeport. The other islands are known Eleuthera, 156 km on Grand Bahama, and collectively as the Family Islands or Out Joined Commonwealth: 1973 more than 885 km on the Out Islands. Islands. The islands lie on a submarine shelf Population: 377,000 (2013) which rises steeply from deep waters in the Main ports are Nassau (New Providence), Freeport (Grand Bahama) and Matthew Town GDP p.c.
    [Show full text]
  • Bahamian-Ness As an Exclusive Good: Attempting to Change the Constitution, 2002
    ORIGINAL ARTICLES Bahamian-ness as an Exclusive Good: Attempting to Change the Constitution, 2002 Stephen B. Aranha Max Planck Institute for European Legal History1 ABSTRACT In 2014, Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie announced a constitutional referendum on gender equality. In 2002, his predecessor, Hubert Ingraham, had already put a similar referendum before the electorate. Back then, the proposed amendments failed. The Bahamas’ Independence Constitution imagines citizenship as limited and exclusionary. The amendments currently proposed would indeed remove some levels of discrimination contained in the citizenship provisions, but others would be retained, and some new ones may even be added. However, the discussion of these amendments is dominated by a proxy debate appealing to populist emotions. This paper seeks to analyse the amendments proposed in 2002, which marked the first attempt at constitutional reform since Bahamian Independence, as well as the process that ultimately led to defeat at the polls. The focus will be on the amendments addressing gender inequality. Questions include: how would the 2002 proposal have changed the levels of unequal access to citizenship compared to the 1973 Constitution, and how do they compare to the 2014 proposals? And, to what extent were there procedural flaws present in 2002, and to what extent did a distractionary discourse sabotage the declared goal of gender equality? INTRODUCTION to make more fundamental changes to the Since Independence in 1973, the Constitution Constitution. So far, none have succeeded. of The Bahamas has seen only minor In 2002, towards the end of his second changes—cosmetic in nature, addressing non- consecutive term in office, then Prime entrenched provisions (Constitutional Minister Hubert Ingraham put five Commission, 2013, p.
    [Show full text]
  • Eleven Perish in Boating Tragedy
    June 15, 2012 The Abaconian Section A Page 1 VOLUME 20 NUMBER 12 JUNE 15th, 2012 Eleven perish in boating tragedy By Timothy Roberts Eleven people, including two chil- dren, perished when a boat heading to Florida developed engine trouble and sank in the area of Hawksbill Cays (just north of Fox Town) sometime close to 9pm on Sunday, June 10. Local police and rescue agencies were not alerted about the sinking until late in the afternoon on Monday as no one had reported it until a young man (a survivor that swam to shore) walked into the police station in Marsh Harbour around 3pm that day. It was reported by the survivor – a nineteen year-old male – that possibly as many as six other people swam to shore but they quickly disappeared into the night. According to Noel Curry, Abaco’s Officer in Charge, the young man attempt- ed to help a young lady swim to shore but she was swept away by a wave. He then fo- cused on getting himself to safety. He told police he swam from 9 pm Sunday evening until 3 am Monday morning. Mr. Curry said the police have since detained eight persons (including the survi- vor) who are assisting with the investiga- Please see Tragedy Page 2 Above: The Royal Bahamas Defence Force boat docking at the port during the evening of June 11. The vessel was carrying 11 bodies. All other missing, 12 in total, have been presumed dead. Lighthouse receives new Green Turtle Club hosts glass panels in lantern room sport fishing icon Thanks to the efforts of Abaco’s Port Department, the Bahamas Lighthouse Preservation Above: George Poveromo holds a dolphin caught just north of Green Turtle Cay during Society and other community members, the Elbow Reef Lighthouse has received new glass filming for his Salt Water Fishing Show which will air on NBC Sports in early 2013.
    [Show full text]
  • The Distribution, Diversity and Abundance of Elasmobranches in the Mangrove Creeks of South Eleuthera, Bahamas
    The Distribution, Diversity and Abundance of Elasmobranches in the Mangrove Creeks of South Eleuthera, Bahamas Maggie Bogardus, Morgan Henderson, Peter Sholley, Hadley Sachs, Welbis Ortiz, Mickey Philipp, Tyler Lewtan Advisors: Edd Brooks and John Szpak INTRODUCTION RESULTS th th Over the past several decades, shark populations have been declining at an increasing rate (Myers et al. The study period lasted from February 9 through May 6 .. Fifty-one young-of-the-year (YOY) lemon sharks were 2007). All elasmobranchs have k-selected life histories meaning that they have a long lifespan and take many caught over the course of this study, with fork lengths ranging from 51 to 96 centimeters. Two nurse sharks and three southern years to sexually mature. Elasmobranchs also have a low fecundity, thus it is very difficult for their populations stingrays were also caught, accounting for 10.53% of our total catch. Thirteen previously tagged lemons were recaptured, twelve to recover from any unnatural decline in their populations. Bull (Carcharhinus leucas) and Sandbar in the same location they were originally caught in, and only one in a different but nearby creek, denoting 92.31% site fidelity (Carcharhinus plumbeus) shark populations have decreased over the past 38 years by rates of 87% and 99% among recaptured lemons. The mean fork length of sharks caught in each creek ranged from 58.75cm to 84.30cm with an respectively. Declining elasmobranch populations have strong top-down effects on the food chain affecting other overall mean of 65.82cm. (FIG. 4) The mean CPUE in the sampled creeks ranged from 0.0096 to 0.0563, with an overall mean species populations (Myers et al.
    [Show full text]
  • The Bahamas (RRESB) Program
    Reconstruction with Resilience in the Energy Sector in the Bahamas (RRESB) Program Stanford Moss, Program Coordinator 28 January 2021 CONTENTS 1. Brief overview of the PPP project 2. Expected results and impacts of the project(s) 3. Opportunities for future infrastructure PPP development 4. Q&A from breakout participants Reconstruction with Resilience in the Energy Sector in the Bahamas (RRESB) Program 1. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE PPP PROJECT Many countries in the Caribbean have not met ambitious renewable energy targets… Renewable energy target % renewable generation Source: Malaika Masson, IDB. CONTEXT CHALLENGES FOR THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR IN THE BAHAMAS MAIN OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES CHALLENGES - Most of the population in (1) Reconstruction with - Rehabilitation of transmission and Abaco and East Grand Bahamas resilience of electric power distribution power network. with no steady electricity supply systems in Abaco and East - Installation of microgrids and solar PV FOCUS ON after Dorian Grand Bahamas systems RESILIENT INFRAESTRUCTURE - Country´s economy in recession (2) Supporting the resurgence TO SUPPORT THE - Creation of employment based on after COVID-19 of the Country´s economy REHABILITATION OF renewable energy projects THE ELECTRIC - Dependent on expensive oil POWER SYSTEM imports (3.3% of GDP in 2017) (3) Diversification of Energy AND - Promoting Renewable Energy (RE) Matrix 1 TRANSFORMATIVE - High Cost of Electricity INITIATIVES (RE) - Institutional and regulatory aspects - Weak institutions and limited (4) Institutional Strengthening aligned with the sustainable energy regulatory frameworks sector 1/ Alignment with the GoBH National Energy Policy commitment of 30% RE generation of electricity. 5 Source: Malaika Masson, IDB. Program Description Financing Structure of Program • The IDB Board of Directors on the 29th of Operation A (Approved) January 2020 approved: • Component I – Immediate rehabilitation of resilient and renewable energy infrastructure in • A 170 MUS$ Program to support a broad Abaco and Grand Bahama.
    [Show full text]
  • Ornithogeography of the Southern Bahamas. Donald W
    Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses Graduate School 1979 Ornithogeography of the Southern Bahamas. Donald W. Buden Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses Recommended Citation Buden, Donald W., "Ornithogeography of the Southern Bahamas." (1979). LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses. 3325. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/3325 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. INFORMATION TO USERS This was produced from a copy of a document sent to us for microfilming. While the most advanced technological means to photograph and reproduce this document have been used, the quality is heavily dependent upon the quality of the material submitted. The following explanation of techniques is provided to help you understand markings or notations which may appear on this reproduction. 1. The sign or “target” for pages apparently lacking from the document photographed is “Missing Page(s)”. If it was possible to obtain the missing page(s) or section, they are spliced into the Him along with adjacent pages. This may have necessitated cutting through an image and duplicating adjacent pages to assure you of complete continuity. 2. When an image on the film is obliterated with a round black mark it is an indication that the film inspector noticed either blurred copy because of movement during exposure, or duplicate copy.
    [Show full text]
  • The Bahamas: an Overview
    Updated October 16, 2019 The Bahamas: An Overview Political and Economic Environment full opening of the Baha Mar project. For 2019, real growth The Bahamas, a Caribbean nation of some 700 islands off is projected to decline to 0.9% because of the impact of the southeast coast of the United States, has been a stable Hurricane Dorian (see “Hurricane Dorian,” below). parliamentary democracy since its independence from the United Kingdom (UK) in 1973. The country’s bicameral legislature has a 39-seat House of Assembly directly elected for five-year terms and a 16-member appointed Senate. Since independence, the political scene has been dominated by two political parties, the center-left Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the center-right Free National Movement (FNM). The PLP was formed in 1953 as an opposition party to the United Bahamian Party (UBP), which governed the Bahamas when the country was under British rule. In 1967, the PLP won control of the government and oversaw the country’s independence from the UK. It ruled continuously from 1967 until 1992 under the leadership of Lynden Pindling, commonly referred to as the “father of the nation.” The FNM was formed in 1971 by former members of the UBP and dissidents from the PLP. Under the leadership of Hubert Ingraham, the FNM won the 1992 general elections, governing until 2002. The PLP returned to power in 2002 under the leadership of Perry Christie, lost in 2007 to the FNM (still led by Hubert Ingraham), and won again in 2012, with Perry Christie as prime minister.
    [Show full text]